The Gospel Collaborative is an extension of The Gospel church. The curriculum taught is not solely bible based content. We give our teachers the freedom to discuss their faith when asked and can use God's Word, the Bible as a source of reference and content in their curriculum. To learn more about our beliefs, please visit the link below on our beliefs.
In 2015, Pastors Jeremiah and Julia Thomas lauched the church from very humble beginnings. Since then the church and the vision has grown. Not only has the church grown so has their family, now the father to 3 beautiful kids. Pastor Jeremiah spent most of his life in Waterport NY, but he was actually born in Isreal where his parents were missionaries. His family then spent a few years in Germany, homeland of his mother, before settling in New York. Later on in highschool he spent a year living and going to school in Germany with family. Prior to starting the church he taught bible college in Haiti and has always had a passion for teaching and helping others. Pastor Jeremiah and his mother, Regina Thomas, actually teach our German class, so when you see them around be sure to say "Guten Tag!"
Pastor Julia Thomas is a mother of 3, together with her husband, Pastor Jeremiah, they launched and pastor The Gospel. Pastor Julia is a visionary, always dreaming big and working hard. She definitely is the life of the party, bringing joy and fun wherever she goes! With a heart for people she welcomes you as an instant friend. Her passion and excitement for life is contagious! If you want someone to talk to, to encourage you, and to cheer you on, she is your girl! If finding a good deal was an olympic sport, she would get the gold medal. With an eye for design she is always finding a way to make a place feel warm and inviting.
Sarah Follman is the mother of 2 beautiful girls and has a heart of gold. She is a woman of excellence and is always up for an adventure and a cup of coffee. Homeschooled for many years herself, she is now going from homeschooled kid to homeschool teacher as she is beginning the journey of teaching her own girls. Sarah is the kind of person you want on your team. She has a desire to be helpful, a devotion to do things right and a willingness to learn anything she may not already know. She is also one fit momma. Like everything else she does, she will not only help you in any way she can but she will also go along the journey with you encouraging you every step of the way. Did we mention that she makes the best macarons?
Blessed with a marriage to her best friend, and two beautiful children, Cheryl is tangible proof of the blessings that come from living for the Lord. She has a BFA in Graphic Design with a concentration in Writing Studies from Rochester Institute of Technology. After having children, her passion shifted from a love for art, to a heart of exploration. Venturing the great outdoors with her two kids, ages 3 and 6, has led her to become an avid lover of bugs and all things wild. She can often be found educating in the woods, in the garden, or around the pond. When she isn’t busy staying active with her family through bike riding, camping, fishing, or mountain climbing, her heart can be found fulfilling her unquestionable calling of jail ministry, or pouring her thoughts onto paper through creative non-fiction, as an advocate for Christ and the battle against substance abuse. Going from darkness to light, old to new, leaves Cheryl with a constant reminder of Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.”
Regina Thomas, lovingly referred to as "Mutti", the German word for Mother, or "Oma", the German word for Grandmother. With a genuine love for all she really welcomes you as one of the family and becomes a friend, mother, and grandmother to all who need. She is a German citizen and met her American husband in Jerusalem while both involved in Christian ministries. Offical mother of 3 amazing men, the youngest of which is Pastor Jeremiah. All her sons are happily married, and have now made Regina the Grandmother to 9 grandkids. With all that she somehow still has more love and energy to go around. A native to Germany she has been our offical German teacher from the start. You will always be greeted with a smile and most likely a delicious dish of food. If you ever get a chance, be sure to try her pies!
Women often wear many hats. Amy Beato is a wife, mother, educator, and most importantly a daughter of the most high King. She is married to her best friend, Sam, and they have their two beautiful children, Bethel and Judah. In 2017, Amy graduated SUNY Fredonia with her degree in Bachelors of Science in Education with a concentration in mathematics and obtains her NYS teaching certification. After working for a daycare, nannying, babysitting, and being in the classroom for almost 10 years, her prayers were answered and she’s now able to stay home and pour into her own little ones. Amy and her family are always on the go and have found a new love for community within the body of Christ. By the grace of God alone, she prides herself in keeping her home in order and never having to re-start the laundry machine. She is known to make the best chocolate chip cookies! She’s always willing to share, in whatever way that looks. Amy is generous, kind, and gentle in nature. Amy will be teaching Reading and Writing, in which she’s very excited to impart her love for both of those things into the children this semester.
Cortnee Peterson is a mother of 2 amazing children. Her family have been faithfully attending The Gospel for 5 years. She is actively invovled on the The Gospel worship team and kids ministry. Cortnee is someone who will make you feel welcomed and continue to support you on your homeschooling journey. She is patient and kind with each student and greets you with a friendly smile each time you enter The Gospel. Her love for music started when she was young. Cortnee teaches Little's and Mini's music class on Fridays. Cortnee is excited to share her love for music through interactive and fun activities.
Andy Follman is an Air Force Veteren that has always been a family oriented father with a caring heart and loyal character. He grew up across a lake from Pastor Jeremiah in the small town Waterport, NY. After completing high school, Andy went on to accomplish his college degree as a Physical Education teacher from Roberts Wesleyan College. He loves and charishes his wife Sarah and 2 beautiful girls. Andy has a passion to see kids given the education they deserve and takes any challenge head on. Some may even say that he is an adult with the heart and spirit of a kid.
Crissy Davis is a Mother of 7, a step mom to 3 and a grandma to 10. To say she has a large family is an understatement. Crissy has worked in the resturant business all her life and cooking is where her heart is. She loves to treat The Gospel church family every Sunday with meals after the main service. Crissy has become an integral part to the church and the co-op. Last semester she taught a cooking class in which the kids loved the hands on experience as well as tasting their creations! This semester we couldn't resist but to have Crissy continue cooking for our Supers and Bigs classes. She has many delicious treats in store for them to learn how to do this fall!
Lisa Kent is a retired Physical Education Teacher that taught 33 years at Lyndonville Central School. She is the biggest cheerleader for your kids to succeed. It is rare to not find her having fun with kids participating in interactive games. Lisa is loyal and welcomes you with a smile. Even from her years as a teacher, she is always finding new ways to learn to be a more effective parent and teacher.
Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Moreira has had an extensive soccer career. He grew up playing in youth development programs of the best clubs in Brazil, Corinthians, Sao Paulo and ultimately where he ended up going Pro, Palmeiras. Marcelo then spent 10 years playing in Palmeiras, followed by a successful stint as the team captain of Juventus (Brazil) for 5 years where he helped lead the team from the 2nd Division into the 1st Division. In 2013, Marcelo moved to the US where he continued his soccer career but now as an indoor player playing for the Syracuse Silver Knights, Rochester Lancers, St Louis Ambush. Marcelo has established his roots here in Rochester, NY with his wife Kayla, and two children. He is the Director of Goalkeeping for the WNY Flash Youth Academy and also runs his own Soccer Training Company called ‘More Keepers’. He has been the coach/teacher for the Extras Class in Gospel Collaborative and we look forward to the fun he'll bring for this Fall '23 semester.
Have more questions?
Contact our team at co-op@thegospelny.com